CMC Microsystems has forged a partnership with Singapore manufacturer Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF) to develop a new design automation platform for silicon photonics to help Canadian researchers design and prototype photonics-based technologies faster. The tie-up allows Canadian researchers to use the platform developed by AMF, a manufacturer of silicon photonics integrated circuits, in partnership with Luceda Photonics. Researchers will also gain access to AMF’s fabrication services and design tools from Luceda and Mentor Graphics. CMC, for its part, will provide engineering support, reference guides and training to users of the platform. Kingston, ON-based CMC will also coordinate manufacturing of designs using its cost-effective Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) program. CMC said the physical design kit of the design platform is important in photonics R&D to help researchers design complex systems quickly, thus speeding up time to market. AMF said working with CMC will help researchers and companies understand the potential of silicon photonics. Members of CMC’s National Design Network, which is composed of researchers and industry, can access the platform starting June.